CROTON, N.Y. -- Real estate experts point to encouraging signs for the spring market, and homeowners thinking of putting their properties up for sale need to do their homework.

Nancy Kennedy, a real estate broker with Houlihan Lawrence in Croton-on-Hudson, offered tips to help sellers prepare their homes.

The first step for any potential seller is to research for an experienced agent. They have the expertise, know the market inside and out and can help determine a marketing strategy that will create interest among potential buyers.

Realtors can also help determine the appropriate value of the property. Every seller wants to get top dollar, but homes that are priced right in the market move the fastest. An experienced agent can set the pricing to get the most out of the house and expedite the sale.

Kennedy believes people who are putting their homes up for sale this spring should de-personalize their home, and make some low-cost but nonetheless important updates.

“A can of paint costs $25 but can give you back thousands on a sale,’’ said Kennedy, the top sales associate in terms of total sales for Houlihan Lawrence for the past 11 years. “It’s important to de-clutter, box things up and put them away. I always encourage people to make a second pass through on de-cluttering. They usually need to do it two times.”

Kennedy also encourages homeowners to clean. “Wash the windows, even polish your boiler,’’ she said. “You wouldn’t believe the difference it makes. It makes it look many years younger.”

Homeowners with views of the Hudson River should also work diligently to showcase them. “If you have a river view, do everything you can to maximize it,’’ she said. “Topping trees, cutting back branches, removing blinds and drapes, are all things to consider. You need to bring that view into the house. That’s actually something we have to tell those homeowners. You don’t even realize it that your view is being overgrown.”

She also asks homeowners to be prepared to show the home. “You should be able to have your home ready within an hour, if that’s necessary,’’ she said. “So many people say ‘I didn’t think you were coming.’ You have to be ready when a potential buyer is ready.”

All signs point to a robust spring market. She advises homeowners who want to put their homes on the market to do so quickly.

“If I were going to sell my home, I’d come to the market as soon as possible,’’ she said. “People are just waiting for inventory. The competition is very slim right now.”

For more information, contact Nancy at 914-271-5500 or at nkennedy@houlihanlawrence.com. To see her office’s listings, visit her website
here
.